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Daniel Scratch: a story of witchkind
WINNER "Fantasy - General" American Fiction Awards 2023 (Daniel Scratch, book 1)
WINNER "Fantasy" Indie Book Awards (Daniel Scratch, book 1)
"...Jones has created something new, compelling, beautifully written, and somewhat reminiscent of Ursula Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea (1968)...An engrossing, well-written, and original story; readers will be eager for the next installment." – Kirkus Reviews
"Adult and teenage fans of thoughtful fantasy will love exploring this beautifully described world of arcane powers. This meditative look at power will engage readers who like their fantasy with a side of philosophy. Great for fans of Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea, Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book." — BookLife Review
"This book is delightful! It's tickling my inner nerd somewhere at the intersection of 'Harry Potter,' ' The Last Airbender,' and 'Skyrim,' all while being its own unique story and world."
"This is a delightful story - I can't wait to dive back into this world."
Thirteen year-old Daniel Scratch has been living alone for years since his parents passed, cared for by his home's tiny, elf-like brownies and his somehow-still-living great-great grandmother. But when Grandmother sends him to the village to be Tested, his life turns upside down. He's abandoned on a craggy isle, home to the Tower of Endings, and discovers he's to be the next adherent to the Sixth Axis, one of the most powerful magical forces in the world. He lives in the Tower for years, learning all the basic magics of witchkind along with the great Seven Forms of his Axis. Along the way, learns more than he ever thought possible about his people and their society, and their relationships with the far more-numerous humans of the world. His education culminates with an irreversible Choice, thrusting him into a mystery whose resolution will save all of humanity and witchkind – or doom them all to chaos and oblivion.
This revised edition reflects the author's preferred version of the manuscript.
WINNER "Fantasy" Indie Book Awards (Daniel Scratch, book 1)
"...Jones has created something new, compelling, beautifully written, and somewhat reminiscent of Ursula Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea (1968)...An engrossing, well-written, and original story; readers will be eager for the next installment." – Kirkus Reviews
"Adult and teenage fans of thoughtful fantasy will love exploring this beautifully described world of arcane powers. This meditative look at power will engage readers who like their fantasy with a side of philosophy. Great for fans of Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea, Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book." — BookLife Review
"This book is delightful! It's tickling my inner nerd somewhere at the intersection of 'Harry Potter,' ' The Last Airbender,' and 'Skyrim,' all while being its own unique story and world."
"This is a delightful story - I can't wait to dive back into this world."
Thirteen year-old Daniel Scratch has been living alone for years since his parents passed, cared for by his home's tiny, elf-like brownies and his somehow-still-living great-great grandmother. But when Grandmother sends him to the village to be Tested, his life turns upside down. He's abandoned on a craggy isle, home to the Tower of Endings, and discovers he's to be the next adherent to the Sixth Axis, one of the most powerful magical forces in the world. He lives in the Tower for years, learning all the basic magics of witchkind along with the great Seven Forms of his Axis. Along the way, learns more than he ever thought possible about his people and their society, and their relationships with the far more-numerous humans of the world. His education culminates with an irreversible Choice, thrusting him into a mystery whose resolution will save all of humanity and witchkind – or doom them all to chaos and oblivion.
This revised edition reflects the author's preferred version of the manuscript.
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
First published June 7, 2020
22 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Don Jones
117 books191 followersDon Jones has written dozens and dozens of books and ebooks on information technology topics, and is perhaps most well-known in that space for his "Month of Lunches" series, published by Manning. Don's recently branched out into topics like business management, instructional design, and self-improvement/motivational, along with launching books in science fiction and fantasy. Don lives in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, is a huge fan of Disney Parks, and loves Figment best of all.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 25, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
An orphan witchrafty kid, left alone in his giant estate for several years learns he is an adept at the sixth Axis of Magic. This Axis is a bit complicated. It has to do with Endings, deaths and the like. The kid starts learning magic and has the usual adventures.
Not bad, if a bit derivative.
An orphan witchrafty kid, left alone in his giant estate for several years learns he is an adept at the sixth Axis of Magic. This Axis is a bit complicated. It has to do with Endings, deaths and the like. The kid starts learning magic and has the usual adventures.
Not bad, if a bit derivative.
September 1, 2020
With ‘Daniel Scratch: A Story of Witchkind,’ author Don Jones seeks to establish a YA-themed, magical-themed adventure for the next generation of Harry Potter fans.
Essentially on his own in the wake of his parents' untimely death, thirteen-year old Daniel Scratch is just trying to make it from one day to the next. But when an unexpected quest leads Daniel to the mysterious Tower of Endings, our unsuspecting hero learns that he has been invited to join the incredibly powerful Sixth Axis. From there, Daniel spends years studying the ways of his order, along the way learning the invaluable lesson that, when it comes to humans, little is at it initially appears to be.
Jones does an admirable job building a fully-formed world of magic and wonder. And while the author occasionally leans a little too heavily on well-established ‘chosen-one’ tropes, the story presents a well-balanced mix of action, adventure and dialogue that makes for an engaging read.
Unfortunately, ‘Daniel Scratch’ also bears some of the telltale signs of ‘debut-itus,’ as Jones’ over-reliance on redundant dialogue tags and the head-scratching decision to publish this book without any paragraph indentation (hopefully something that will be corrected with future editions) makes for an incredibly frustrating read. That all being said, these issues are easily corrected with a proper, professional.
Formatting gripes aside, ‘Daniel Scratch’ is an otherwise quick, breezy read that’s just begging for a sequel. Add to that a fantastic third-act twist and you have yourself the makings of an enduring fantasy saga. Recommended for fans of anything Harry Potter and Middle-Earth.
Essentially on his own in the wake of his parents' untimely death, thirteen-year old Daniel Scratch is just trying to make it from one day to the next. But when an unexpected quest leads Daniel to the mysterious Tower of Endings, our unsuspecting hero learns that he has been invited to join the incredibly powerful Sixth Axis. From there, Daniel spends years studying the ways of his order, along the way learning the invaluable lesson that, when it comes to humans, little is at it initially appears to be.
Jones does an admirable job building a fully-formed world of magic and wonder. And while the author occasionally leans a little too heavily on well-established ‘chosen-one’ tropes, the story presents a well-balanced mix of action, adventure and dialogue that makes for an engaging read.
Unfortunately, ‘Daniel Scratch’ also bears some of the telltale signs of ‘debut-itus,’ as Jones’ over-reliance on redundant dialogue tags and the head-scratching decision to publish this book without any paragraph indentation (hopefully something that will be corrected with future editions) makes for an incredibly frustrating read. That all being said, these issues are easily corrected with a proper, professional.
Formatting gripes aside, ‘Daniel Scratch’ is an otherwise quick, breezy read that’s just begging for a sequel. Add to that a fantastic third-act twist and you have yourself the makings of an enduring fantasy saga. Recommended for fans of anything Harry Potter and Middle-Earth.
September 7, 2020
Daniel is anything but ordinary. He lives with his long dead great grandmother-who haunts the attic, his dead father
-who haunts another part of the house, and 3 brownies, Abbygail being the only one with a name.
On his 13th birthday, his grandmother informs him that he is to be tested. While he has no idea why, he obeys and heads off for the mysterious test.He remembers the advice of his not to eat any of the food and completes the test. He then receives a medallion.
The medallion is a blessing and a curse. It says that he has a special kind of magic, but it also says that he is dangerous. So, he says goodbye to the brownies and heads off to an unknown school.
Little does he know where he is going. What follows is his entire education process at the hands of an ancient witch who has been waiting for him a long time. He learns many things and is well on his way to mastering his trade.
It is well written and flows nicely. With minimal action, it flows with the same aggressive speed as an action novel covering many years in one story. I liked it very much and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
I am volunteering an honest review for the benefit of others.
-who haunts another part of the house, and 3 brownies, Abbygail being the only one with a name.
On his 13th birthday, his grandmother informs him that he is to be tested. While he has no idea why, he obeys and heads off for the mysterious test.He remembers the advice of his not to eat any of the food and completes the test. He then receives a medallion.
The medallion is a blessing and a curse. It says that he has a special kind of magic, but it also says that he is dangerous. So, he says goodbye to the brownies and heads off to an unknown school.
Little does he know where he is going. What follows is his entire education process at the hands of an ancient witch who has been waiting for him a long time. He learns many things and is well on his way to mastering his trade.
It is well written and flows nicely. With minimal action, it flows with the same aggressive speed as an action novel covering many years in one story. I liked it very much and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
I am volunteering an honest review for the benefit of others.
September 16, 2020
This book is complex, compelling and just a little bit dark. The beginning of the book feels like you have been dropped into a completely different world. The world building happens as you read, and the more you get to know Daniel, the more the world solidifies into shape. The detail of the locations and the cultures encountered are such that I can still picture them days after reading.
The novel follows Daniel as he grows from a child to something much more. There are not very many characters, making Daniel very important. Instead of being boring or making the story flat, the detail put into his journey as an individual is genuinely attention grabbing. You begin to care about him as a character. This add a layer of depth to his interactions with others that is unusual, especially in a book that is not as long as some other novels.
Overall, as an avid reader of fantasy, I really enjoyed reading this book and was genuinely sad when I finished it. It is a spin on an often used storyline, aka magic and witchcraft, and is written in a style that is very much its own. If more books on Witchkind come out I will be in line to read them.
The novel follows Daniel as he grows from a child to something much more. There are not very many characters, making Daniel very important. Instead of being boring or making the story flat, the detail put into his journey as an individual is genuinely attention grabbing. You begin to care about him as a character. This add a layer of depth to his interactions with others that is unusual, especially in a book that is not as long as some other novels.
Overall, as an avid reader of fantasy, I really enjoyed reading this book and was genuinely sad when I finished it. It is a spin on an often used storyline, aka magic and witchcraft, and is written in a style that is very much its own. If more books on Witchkind come out I will be in line to read them.
September 29, 2020
This is an interesting novel, a little dark, and it fits in that inbetween no-man's land in terms of category. Traditionally YA falls into main characters who are 15-18ish, maybe 19. But a 13 yr old character is defined as middle grade. But the themes and tone definitely oscillate between YA and MG, and therefore never really establishes itself. If this was marketed as an MG novel, I would have some issues with my child reading it, but young adult readers are experiencing life different from a 13 yr old and might not enjoy the story unless they focus on the plot over character. The world is fully formed as is the magical systems and they are easy to follow. Unfortunately, the chosen one trope has been overdone and that caused me to lose interest. There are also formatting issues, telling through dialogue instead of showing, the character development is only surface level even though the pacing is great and makes the story a fast read. But a great plot is only part of the story, we need to care about the characters, understand their GMC and cheer for them. Overall, this book has the potential to be really good but as is, it doesn't feel like it was ready to have been published.
September 4, 2020
The story of Daniel Scratch is a fast read and feels like it is the beginning of a series. After his parents' untimely death, thirteen-year old Daniel Scratch is trying to make it from one day to the next. But when an unexpected quest leads Daniel to the mysterious Tower of Endings, he quickly learns that he has been invited to join the incredibly powerful Sixth Axis. From there, Daniel spends years studying the ways of his order, along the way learning the invaluable lesson that, when it comes to humans, little is at it initially appears to be. Something that most of us know in the real world and is interesting to see in this mystical world. I especially loved the way the author made the story easy to comprehend and broke it into “neat little lessons” with chapters titled by lesson. This was a quick read which I was immediately immersed into Daniel’s world and it leaves you wanting for more. This could be a new type of Harry Potter series for sure. A great author that you should check out if you have not read his work before. I look forward to more!
September 17, 2020
A magically entertaining YA novel!
A rewarding read for those looking to escape the burdensome daily realities of their lives and visit a magical world for a while. This story begins when the main protagonist David Scratch is a mere child growing up and trying to find his footing in the world after the shocking and ill-timed death of his parents. David finds tenacity within himself to survive each arduous day with dignity as the difficult path to adulthood unfolded before him at an early age.
Don Jone has created a world within another realm for the reader to explore—his ability to transmute images, place, and people from the corridors of his mind to the written page is nothing short of literary brilliance.
Young David embarked on an incredible journey when he unexpectedly visited the “Towers of Endings” and was invited to study with the Sixth of Axis. This is where David’s real journey began, and the mind-boggling imagery and storylines blended into a fascinating tale that could leave the reader hoping for a sequel
A rewarding read for those looking to escape the burdensome daily realities of their lives and visit a magical world for a while. This story begins when the main protagonist David Scratch is a mere child growing up and trying to find his footing in the world after the shocking and ill-timed death of his parents. David finds tenacity within himself to survive each arduous day with dignity as the difficult path to adulthood unfolded before him at an early age.
Don Jone has created a world within another realm for the reader to explore—his ability to transmute images, place, and people from the corridors of his mind to the written page is nothing short of literary brilliance.
Young David embarked on an incredible journey when he unexpectedly visited the “Towers of Endings” and was invited to study with the Sixth of Axis. This is where David’s real journey began, and the mind-boggling imagery and storylines blended into a fascinating tale that could leave the reader hoping for a sequel
September 21, 2020
Don Jones mixes arcane magic and the classical coming-of-age trope in this entertaining YA fantasy debut. After the death of his parents, Daniel lives alone for many years with his home's elf-like brownies and his great great grandmother as his only companions. On his thirteenth birthday, his grandmother sends him to the village to be Tested, where he receives a mysterious medallion. Armed with only his medallion and his family’s book of spells, Daniel is abandoned on a far off island, home to a stone tower known as the Tower of Endings. There, Daniel learns that he is to be the next adherent to the Sixth Axis. Under the tutelage of his Master, Kirmin, Daniel studies magic and learns some important lessons along the way about humans, society and Witchkind. This quick fantasy read with its’ vivid world building definitely has the potential to be expanded in a series and is sure to be a hit with Harry Potter fans.
September 18, 2020
Historical fiction barely recognizable as fantasy
Jones' story of Daniel Scratch reads much like a historical recollection, someone writing down a biography of their life, the times and the history they lived through. While the action usually accompanied with fantasy works may be lacking, it does not lessen the impact of the events transpiring. Witches and magic take a new turn and envirgorating concepts and languages unfold as readers learn more about Daniel and the impending role he will come to play in all mankind and witchkind alike. Jones brings to life a story so enriching that action and adventure are not needed to leave an impression on readers, but after finishing this first novel readers will likely be dying for the epic events sure to come in succeeding ones.
Jones' story of Daniel Scratch reads much like a historical recollection, someone writing down a biography of their life, the times and the history they lived through. While the action usually accompanied with fantasy works may be lacking, it does not lessen the impact of the events transpiring. Witches and magic take a new turn and envirgorating concepts and languages unfold as readers learn more about Daniel and the impending role he will come to play in all mankind and witchkind alike. Jones brings to life a story so enriching that action and adventure are not needed to leave an impression on readers, but after finishing this first novel readers will likely be dying for the epic events sure to come in succeeding ones.
September 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and the authors take on magic and the people who cast it.
When the book started we meet a boy named Daniel and are brought into his exceptional world. He lives in this incredible house that seems to be alive, but it has its secrets. Then he receives a medal from his grandmother and his life is forever changed, and the journey to who he is meant to be is quite remarkable. He goes through a rigorous training, and Jones's writing keeps this moving at a great pace so the reader never gets board or bogged down. With all the little details, the magic and the runes, I found this very detailed book quite remarkable. I look forward to the next.
When the book started we meet a boy named Daniel and are brought into his exceptional world. He lives in this incredible house that seems to be alive, but it has its secrets. Then he receives a medal from his grandmother and his life is forever changed, and the journey to who he is meant to be is quite remarkable. He goes through a rigorous training, and Jones's writing keeps this moving at a great pace so the reader never gets board or bogged down. With all the little details, the magic and the runes, I found this very detailed book quite remarkable. I look forward to the next.
December 21, 2021
I’m familiar with Don from his PowerShell and career writing and from seeing him at conferences. When I saw he had written a fantasy book, I was intrigued but questioned how good it was going to be. I’ve read books by other notes folks in the IT industry and come away less than impressed, but I was looking for a fresh fantasy read so I gave it a try. Needless to say my worries were unfounded.
This story and the world it builds starts out seeming to be a familiar one, but it grows into something that feels fresh and new. I very much enjoyed it and am looking forward to continuing the story with the next few books.
This story and the world it builds starts out seeming to be a familiar one, but it grows into something that feels fresh and new. I very much enjoyed it and am looking forward to continuing the story with the next few books.
September 16, 2020
I really enjoyed Don Jones' creative mind. I could feel the amount of effort he put into creating this mysterious world. Even though it was a quick read, I thought it was lacking action and dialogue. I never really felt like I connected with the characters because of this. And when they did finally talk, it was a lot of telling and not showing. But overall, the writing was good and the lessons that Daniel Scratch had learned were always interesting. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Witchkind world.
September 20, 2020
This novel suits those wishing to escape tedious everyday life perfectly, with the creation of a compelling fantasy world that combines mystery with adventure and keeps the pages turning quickly. The book was an easy read for me, and I would say this novel is probably best suited to young adult readers. I really enjoyed the creativity of the characters, setting and plot and it was evident that the author had clearly put a lot of thought into these aspects. I've been left hoping there will be a sequel to see what happens next to Daniel's character!
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December 5, 2020Daniel Scratch: A Story of Witchkind, my first read from author Don Jones, an author I'd never heard of before I was gifted a copy of Master of the Tower: A Story of Witchkind (Witchkind, #2), so I went out & got this book from Amazon. 238-pages, but reads longer due to the detail written in. I'm voluntarily reviewing it because every good books need reviews. I look forward to more from this author. Next up is Master of the Tower: A Story of Witchkind (Witchkind, #2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 13, 2020
A Scratch Above
I really enjoy books about witchcraft and enjoy reading YA books so I can make recommendations for my students. This book is a tale of a lonely young boy who ultimately ends up as Master of the Tower - an adherent to all “Endings.” Following all the runes was a little confusing but imaginative but I did like the fact that regardless of age, one can become what they are destined to be.
I really enjoy books about witchcraft and enjoy reading YA books so I can make recommendations for my students. This book is a tale of a lonely young boy who ultimately ends up as Master of the Tower - an adherent to all “Endings.” Following all the runes was a little confusing but imaginative but I did like the fact that regardless of age, one can become what they are destined to be.
September 23, 2020
First I would like to state that I have received this book through goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. This book was a very interesting read. It pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. I would recommend this book to others. It is a very good read
November 18, 2020
13 Year old Daniel is not normal he lives with his dead great grandma in the attic.
A good novel complex and interesting.
Not your normal cup of tea.
Great detailed story that you get into as it unfolds.
he is told by his great grandma that he is to be tested.
Well what will happen next?
A good novel complex and interesting.
Not your normal cup of tea.
Great detailed story that you get into as it unfolds.
he is told by his great grandma that he is to be tested.
Well what will happen next?
January 6, 2021
Wow! I've read many of Don's technical books, especially the books on PowerShell, so I was a little worried about this book being dry. I needn't have worried. I read this book and the next one straight through as fast as I could. Highly recommended,
April 16, 2021
This was an amazing world. The author has built it very meticulously, and the characters are relatable. I would’ve liked a little more action? Perhaps to see more of what the Karals were doing? Overall though, an engaging read.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only
October 19, 2020
Kept repeating a lot of the same information and didn't have enough action to keep me reading and on the edge of my seat
October 22, 2020
Something about this author's writing style reminded me of Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward."
January 5, 2021
Harry Potter alone with a friendly teacher. Nothing happens. A bore.
May 4, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this. The story kept me wondering where it was heading. Good descriptive text. Really enjoyable storyline. I'm ready to move on to the read of the series.
November 5, 2020
There was no emotional depth in any characters or situations. This book is a set up for future books. The magic elements were cool, runes were cool, but it only made me feel like a student craming for an exam.
November 9, 2021
I appreciate a story that happens in a single scenario without exhausting it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews